How to activate the Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 4 fitness bracelet: from unpacking to first synchronization

The Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 4 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular trackers even years after its release, thanks to a combination of functionality, sensor accuracy and affordable price. However, beginners often wonder how to turn the device on, connect it to a smartphone and adjust basic functions. This article will help avoid typical errors in the first activation, and will also reveal nuances that are not written in the standard instructions.

We’ll go into detail on everything from unpacking the bracelet to setting up notifications and updating the firmware, focusing on compatibility with different versions of Android and iOS, and solving common problems (such as when the bracelet is not determined by the application or synchronizes data). If you just purchased the Mi Band 4 or plan to do so, save this instruction — it will save you time and nerves.

Preparation for activation: what will be needed

Before you start setting up, make sure you have everything you need. Unlike newer models (like the Mi Band 7), the fourth version requires a separate charger — it’s not included with some versions of the bracelet (especially if you’re buying a used device).

Minimum requirements for Mi Smart Band 4:

• 📱 Smartphone on Android 5.0+ or iOS 10.0+ (But for full functionality better Android 7.0 or iOS 12 and higher).
• 🔋 Connector charger USB-A (Included is a short cable with magnetic fastening).
• 📲 Mi Fitness (formerly Mi Fit) or Zepp Life (for some regions) download it from Google Play or the App Store.
• 🔄 Stable Internet connection (for downloading firmware and synchronizing data).

If you have an iPhone, note that some features (such as unlocking your phone on your wristband) may not work smoothly or at all. This is a limitation of Apple, not the wristband. Also, you can not configure notifications from third-party apps (only calls and SMS) on iOS.

⚠️ Note: Do not use chargers from other Mi Band models (e.g. Mi Band) 5/6). Contacts at Mi Band 4 are located differently, and you risk damaging the connector or the battery itself.

Step 1: Charging the bracelet before first switching on

Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 4 comes with a partially discharged battery (usually ~20-30%). To avoid failures when activated, be sure to charge it to 100% before first turning on. This will take about 1.5-2 hours.

How to charge correctly:

1. Remove the capsule of the bracelet from the strap, pulling it to the side (do not make excessive efforts - the fastening is fragile!).
2. Hold the capsule to the magnetic connector of the charger. It should stick itself — don't press it.
3. Connect the charger to USB-computer port or power adapter (no more power) 5V/1A).
4. The charge indicator (battery icon) will appear on the bracelet screen, and if there is no indicator, check the density of the contacts.

While charging, the bracelet may heat up — this is normal. However, if it gets hot (over 40°C), immediately turn off the charging and check the contacts for moisture or oxidation.

Charging the bracelet to 100%|Application Mi installed Fitness/Zepp Life|Smartphone connected to the Internet|Bluetooth and geolocation enabled (for Android)-->

Step 2: Turning on the bracelet and choosing the language

After a full charge, you can turn on the bracelet.

1. Press and hold the touch button under the screen for 3-5 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
2. Wait for the system to load (about 10-15 seconds) and a greeting will appear on the screen.
3. Scroll down and up to select a language. For the Mi Band 4, English, Chinese, Russian, Spanish, etc. Choose Russian (if any) or English.

If you don't have Russian, don't worry, you can add it later through the app, and the key at this point is not to miss the welcome screen, otherwise the bracelet will go into standby mode and you will have to reboot it.

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If the bracelet does not respond to touch, try resetting it to factory settings: press the touch button for 10-15 seconds until the vibration and the Mi logo appear.

Once you've selected the language, the bracelet will suggest you connect to the application, and at this point you can skip this step (by clicking on the screen), but then you won't be able to use most of the features, and you'd better start syncing right away.

Step 3: Connect to your smartphone via Mi Fitness

Now the most important thing is to link the bracelet to your smartphone.

1. Open the Mi Fitness (or Zepp Life) app and sign up/sign in to Xiaomi account (required!). Without an account, data sync won't work.
2. Click Add the device (the + icon in the upper right corner).
3. Select from the Mi Smart Band 4 list (if not, update the app).
4. Allow the application to access Bluetooth, notifications and geolocation (the latter is necessary for the pedometer to work correctly).
5. The bracelet will appear 4-digit code - confirm it in the application.

If the code doesn't appear:

• 🔄 Reset the bracelet (hold the button for 10 seconds).
• 📱 Restart Bluetooth on your smartphone.
• 🔌 Make sure the bracelet is at least 50 times charged%.

Once you've successfully connected, the app will prompt you to update your firmware, and you'll agree that this will fix any bugs and add new features (e.g., support for additional languages) and it'll take you 5-10 minutes to update, so don't interrupt!

Mi Band 4|Mi Band 5|Mi Band 6|Mi Band 7|Other model-->

Step 4: Set up the basic parameters

Once synchronized, you need to customize the bracelet to suit yourself. Go to the Mi Fitness app, select your Mi Band 4 and go to the Device Profile. Here are the key settings:

Pay special attention to setting up notifications:

• 📞 On Android, you can choose which apps will send alerts to the bracelet, for example, turn off notifications from games or social networks to avoid distractions.
• 🔕 On iPhone, notifications only come from standard apps (calls, SMS, Others need workarounds (like Notify for Mi Band from the App Store).
• 🔔 In bracelet settings (Profile) → Notifications can be activated for important alerts (e.g. alarm clocks).

⚠️ Warning: If notifications don't come after setting up, check: Bluetooth is on and your smartphone is power-saving; Mi Fitness app notifications are allowed in your phone settings; Do Not Disturb bracelet (check the bracelet menu).

Step 5: Update the firmware and install additional features

Xiaomi regularly releases updates for the Mi Band 4 that improve stability and add new features (such as support for new dials or pedometer bug fixes).

1. Open Mi Fitness and go to Device Profile → Firmware Update.
2. If a new version is available, click Update. Make sure the bracelet is over 50% charged.
3. Do not turn off Bluetooth or leave the app until the process is complete (it will take 5-10 minutes).

After the update, some settings may reset (such as screen order or dial).If the bracelet does not turn on after the update or constantly reboots, reset to factory settings: hold the touch button for 15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.

Additional functions that should be activated:

• 🌙 Sleep mode: automatically turns off notifications at night. Set up a schedule in Profile → Sleep regimen.
• 🏃 Exercise: Add frequently used sports (running, cycling, swimming) to Profile → Exercise.
• 🔒 Screen lock: if the bracelet is triggered by accidental touch, turn on the lock in the bracelet settings.

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even after setting up correctly, Mi Band 4 users sometimes have difficulties, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

If the bracelet has stopped responding to touch or is not activated:

1. Put it on charge for 30 minutes - sometimes a discharged battery blocks the onset.
2. Reset: Hold the button for 15 seconds until vibration.
3. If nothing helps, check the charging contacts for moisture or oxidation (wipe with alcohol).

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If the bracelet is not detected by the app after the reset, try connecting it via another smartphone, sometimes the problem lies in the phone's Bluetooth cache.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions